Page 4 - MidWeek Windward - February 22, 2023

4
FEBRUARY 22, 2023
Lucky we live in Ha- wai‘i and even luck- ier in Kāne‘ohe! I was born and raised near Kāne‘ohe Bay. As a child, I spent the summers hanging out with friends along the bay. The water was crystal-clear, the fish were abundant, and with so much natural beauty surrounding us. As a teenag- er, I went kayaking in the bay for the first time. I remember how lucky I felt to be living in Kāne‘ohe, a community nestled between the majestic Ko‘olau Mountains and beau- tiful Kāne‘ohe Bay. I have always felt a special connec-
Waiahole Poi Factory
tion to Kāne‘ohe Bay. It is a connection that I will always treasure and I hope everyone can experience.
“I believe it is our responsibility as a community to ensure Kāne‘ohe Bay remains special for future generations.”
protection of the bay. These bills will focus on regulating commercial ocean activities without a permit, as well as prohibiting vessels from being fumigated on ocean waters (last summer a boat was fumigated on Kāne‘ohe Bay, potentially negatively
impacting marine life and the safety of bay users). I have also introduced bills that support HIMB, such as funding for sewage system improvements, seawall and pier repairs, as well as posi- tions to help them continue their research and protection of the bay.
can ensure that it remains a place of beauty, wonder and connection for all to enjoy. Growing up in the presence of Kāne‘ohe Bay, I feel a deep connection and respon- sibility to its preservation. Through collective support, we can ensure that this place remains a safe haven for its marine life and our commu- nity for all generations.
Contact state Rep. Lisa Kitagawa (D-48 – Ka‘a‘awa, Kahalu‘u, ‘Āhuimanu, He‘eia, Kāne‘ohe) at 808- 586-8540 or repkitagawa@ capitol.hawaii.gov.
STATE REP. LISA KITAGAWA
More Kāne‘ohe Bay Regulation, Protection Needed
However, in recent years, the bay has been threatened by invasive species, envi- ronmental runoff, pollution and commercial ocean recre- ational activities. Its unique ecosystem is home to a va- riety of marine life, includ- ing endangered species and corals found nowhere else in the world. There are numer- ous community partners who are stewarding the protection of Kāne‘ohe Bay, such as the He‘eia National Estuarine Re-
search Reserve and its part- ner organizations, Waikalua Loko I‘a Fishpond, and the Hawai‘i Institute for Marine Biology located at Moku O Lo‘e (Coconut Island).
I believe it is our responsi- bility as a community to en- sure Kāne‘ohe Bay remains special for future genera- tions. Our actions today can make a difference in preserv- ing this unique ecosystem. By supporting the efforts to protect Kāne‘ohe Bay, we
$2 OFF Haupia Dessert or
This is why I have in- troduced bills to provide additional regulation and
Haupia Ice Cream with purchase of a Combo Meal
Must present coupon. One coupon per person. Expires 2/28/23.
Home of Sweet Lady
Featuring... “Traditional Hand Pounded Poi”
TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE!
www.WaiaholePoiFactory.com 48-140 Kamehameha Hwy. • Kaneohe • 239-2222
Hawaii’s Most Trusted Movers Since 1968
Always on the Move
Call us for all your moving and storage needs!
100% Employee Owned
808.456.4200 • info@mdyerglobal.com
98-054 Kuleana Road, Pearl City
PACKING MATERIALS FOR SALE!